Directions:

30 miles south of Escanaba, or 25 miles north of Menominee on M-35: 1 mile South of County Rd. G-12 and Cedar River

Trail Description:

Wells State Park is located on Green Bay about 30 miles south of Escanaba. Its 678 acres include a three-mile shoreline with beautiful sandy beach for swimming, a large picnic area, a modern campground and rustic cabins that are available to rent from mid-March to mid-December. The park, established in 1925, was donated to the State of Michigan by the children of John Walter Wells, a pioneer lumberman in the area. In addition to owning several lumber companies and sawmills, he served a mayor of Menominee for three terms beginning in 1893. Many of the park's buildings, landscaping and water and sewage systems were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s and 1940s. The park is open year round, even when the campground is closed, providing opportunities for winter recreation such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing.

Coming soon, Wells State Park will be opening a modern lodge that will sleep 12 and rent for $1,000 per week. Contact the park for more information.

Recent Visitor Comments:

"This was our first visit to a Michigan State Park but it won't be our last. This was a beautiful, clean, well run park. Wonderful experience!"

"This park has been a very enjoyable place to stay. Everyone is very friendly, the sites are nice and grassy, the beach area is clean and most of all, the bathrooms and shower areas are always sparkling clean! We will definitely return to this state park!"

"The campground and baths were the cleanest we have ever encountered. The hosts were fun -- lots of games, activities and morning treats. We were also happy to find places without reservations."

Park Features:

Michigan State Park Explorer Program

Learn more about the natural features and resources located in this park with the Outdoor Explorer Program.

Hunting

Hunting is available in the surrounding Escanaba River State Forest land adjacent to the park.

Playground

These play areas offer a variety of playground equipment for children.

Beach House

Provides clothes-changing area for swimmers.

Swimming

Lake Michigan Beach Information

Fishing

The best brown trout fishing in Michigan can be found right from the shore of the park in early April.

Picnic Area

Picnic tables and fire pits/grills. A large picnic area is within walking distance to the campground and includes two picnic shelters, horseshoe courts, picnic tables, charcoal grills and a large playground. Two volleyball courts and a sandy beach complete the day-use areas of the park.

Picnic Shelter(s)

Two picnic shelters are available for rent, contact the park for reservations.

Hiking

Seven miles of hiking trails also offer three rustic trailside shelters for places to rest on the hike.

Cross Country Ski

In winter the seven miles of hiking trails with three rustic trailside shelters are open for cross country skiing. Trails are not groomed.